Streaming solution that is a step-up from cdx2-xps2

Posted by: timster on 27 December 2011

Finally ready to move from cdx2+xps to streaming next month. I know my local dealer has access to nd5x but not sure about ndx or ndac. So, will either of the following be a step-up from my cdx2?

ndx + xps
nd5xs + ndac + xps

If so, which would bring me closer to the "voicing" of the cdx2? Woud the ndac warrant it's extra cost in my system - 282/scap, 250.2?

I plan to rip CDs to a Windows Home Server using MediaMonkeyGold

Thoughts appreciated,

timster

Posted on: 28 December 2011 by Guido Fawkes

The combinations you suggest are different from the CDX2/XPS. I have not heard the second combination, but would expect it to be preferable to the first. To me CDX2/555PS is more exciting than the NDX/XPS. However, based on the Mac Mini or UQ into Naim DAC/555PS compared with CDX2/555PS then I feel confident the system you suggest with a Naim DAC is a step up.

When using a UQ, I use a Vortexbox for the network attached music server which I'd recommend. I have no experience of Windows Home Server so cannot comment thereon.

All the best, Guy

Posted on: 29 December 2011 by timster

Thanks for the reply. Hopefully the dealer will have an ndac - Will have to wait then to hear what sounds best for me.

best,

tim

Posted on: 29 December 2011 by Guido Fawkes

Definitely, interested to hear, which you prefer. Bet it is the Naim DAC.

Posted on: 29 December 2011 by sktn77a

Are you looking to reproduce the rather forward, analytical, sound of the CDX2 or would you prefer the less "in-your-face" presentation of, say, the CDS3? I had a CDX2 for 5 years and only now realize how artificially forward it was (some people refer to this a "boogie"), compared to the HDX I've had in my system now for a couple of months.

Posted on: 29 December 2011 by timster

Originally Posted by sktn77a:

"Are you looking to reproduce the rather forward, analytical, sound of the CDX2 or would you prefer the less "in-your-face" presentation of, say, the CDS3? I had a CDX2 for 5 years and only now realize how artificially forward it was (some people refer to this a "boogie"), compared to the HDX I've had in my system now for a couple of months. "

No, I don't believe I am looking to reproduce the in your face sound or otherwise of the CDX2, rather move it up a step. As much as I would like to try listening to some the various streaming/ps/dac combos that others have had, the opportunity to do so around here is limited. Such is life.

Do you believe that you have stepped-up a grade with the HDX over the CDX2 or do you believe it is just different because it is not "in your face" and that's what you prefer or wanted?

Posted on: 30 December 2011 by KRM

I went from CDX2 + XPS2 to NDX + nDAC + XPS2 and it was a significant upgrade. It is less foward than the CD player, but the improvements were in all directions. I already owned the DAC so I haven't tried the NDX without it. Obviously, you need to demo the options, but I think you will hear very pleasing improvements.

Keith

Posted on: 30 December 2011 by Simon-in-Suffolk

Hi, I agree with home demoing, I dont think you can always assume a is better than b, as there are other factors and differences between samples My CDX2 (mk1) with XPS2 was superb. I spent a lot of time with careful cable dressing/RFI management and mounting isolation and got it sound or 'voicing' very analogue, ie smooth with a slight upper mid compression. Absolutely superb on rock and Electronica. It was ultimately in the area of resolution that prompted me to go CDS3/XPS2. This was a more revealing setup that suited a wider genre of music such as orchestral, piano, opera and folk, but perhaps didn't have the narrower performance peaks of my optimised CDX2/XPS2.
When I wanted to move to a streaming upnp / disk playback solution ( which if you love music is sooo liberating) I was initially disappointed with the Naim offerings (HDX/nDAC, NDAC/XPS2). However I heard the NDX->NDAC/555PS on Fraim, and at last I had replay that clearly excelled my CDS3/XPS2. This is the path I went down and have today.
However for some music types a well setup CDX2/XPS2 still takes a lot of beating. Because of this I have never sold my CDX2, but I have my CDS3. Perhaps I have an unusually good CDX2 sample.
Simon

Posted on: 30 December 2011 by AMA

I tried various transports with nDAC/XPS and all of them were way better than CDX2/XPS.
Including PC link through M-Audio Transit tosslink and HiFace BNC.
Possibly, I was lucky of not having a poor transport at home.

I'm sure nd5XS or ndx will be a good choice.

Regarding the voicing: I think nDAC has more of a CDX2 voicing (rather than CDS3 voicing) -- very energetic and a bit edgy/bright. It's a very good and fair match to 282/250.2 system.

Posted on: 30 December 2011 by timster

Thanks everyone for all your input. There's a lot of food for thought there so I'll just to have to see what my dealer can rustle up for me. I'll keep you posted ...

tim

Posted on: 30 December 2011 by sktn77a

Originally Posted by timster:

Do you believe that you have stepped-up a grade with the HDX over the CDX2 or do you believe it is just different because it is not "in your face" and that's what you prefer or wanted?

At first, I wondered if it was just different but after a couple of months I find myself listening to my music more than I have for quite some time now. I interpret this as better (or, at least, more preferable to my ears).